TREVOR HAIRSINE

On the surface, Valiant's Ninjak is an almost silly fantasy character: He's a hyper-capable ninja with the word "ninja" in his name. He's also a British spy. He lives in a castle.

The first issue of the new Ninjak series by writer Matt Kindt and artists Clay Mann and Butch Guice certainly embraces those preteen wish-fulfillment elements, but adds some surprising depth, too, with character flashbacks and quieter moments that dig deep into who this updated version of Colin King really is.

We sat down with Kindt to talk about how he struck a balance between the silly and the serious in the new series, as well as the trippy sci-fi action of Divinity, his new Valiant series with artist Trevor Hairsine, which debuted earlier this month.

DATELINE: MOSCOW! The top men at the KGB have sworn to beat America in the space race, spreading the red tide form behind the Iron Curtain to a colony of Stalinist Stars! Fifty years later, their Soviet Spaceman returns from his journey to the stars with powers far beyond those of mortal men! He is a threat to worldwide democracy! He is Abram Adams! He is... SPACE COMMIE!

Or at least, that's how I would've sold it. It seems Matt Kindt and Trevor Hairsine opted for a slightly more subtle approach in the latest title from the Valiant Next initiative, Divinity. And sure, it might not have quite the excitement of a title like "The Super-Soviet From Outer-Space!", but it still looks pretty great. Check out a preview!

There are a lot of things that are pretty awesome about Valiant Comics -- I'm particularly fond of the way that they haven't been shying away from giving us humor-driven superheroes in the form of books like Archer & Armstrong and Quantum and Woody -- but one thing that's pretty darn appealing about them as a reader is that they're pretty keen on giving new readers books they can jump onto and get into the larger universe. Right now, they're in the middle of one of those with their "Valiant Next" Initiative, and if your tastes run towards reading about supervillains on the run, they've got you covered with Imperium.

2012's Dredd, based on the long-running comic about the stone-faced lawman of the future from the pages of 2000 AD, was essentially Die Hard in one of Mega City One's towering city blocks, which is to say that it was completely awesome. Karl Urban and Olivia Thirlby's performances as Judges Dredd and Anderson, respectively, were fantastic, and left both long-time Dredd readers and new fans wanting to see more from them, which is why Arthur Wyatt and Henry Flint provided a comic book sequel set in the world of the movie called Underbelly, where Dredd had to tackle a new drug that gave crooks the ability to see into the future.

Underbelly was a pretty huge success. The first and second printings both sold out at the distributor level, and this October, it's getting a third, featuring a new cover by artist Trevor Hairsine.

Two classic Valiant Comics characters, Rai and Doctor Mirage, are set to make a splash in the new Valiant universe later this year, with the publisher introducing a slew of new titles in its Valiant First initiative all the while. There's a new team-up, a major crossover event, and a few spinoffs in the mix.

Valiant is planning to release seven new #1 issues between May and September. Creators include Matt Kindt, Clayton Crain, Robert Venditti, Doug Braithwaite, Jen Van Meter, Kano, Fred Van Lente, James Asmus, Trevor Hairsine, Joe Harris and more. Check out the full list of new titles and some exclusive art after the jump!

In stores tomorrow is Harbinger #11, the first issue of a new arc running throughout the duration of Valiant's Harbinger Wars. Written by Joshua Dysart and with art from Khari Evans and Trevor Hairsine, Harbinger has been the flagship title of Valiant's 2012 relaunch, and has been met with much critical praise. While the issue is part

On sale this week from BOOM! Studios is Higher Earth #2, continuing the new ongoing series by Sam Humphries (Sacrifice, Ultimate Comics: Ultimates) and Francesco Biagini (Elric: The Balance Lost). The book, whose first two issues have sold out at the distributor level, is

Over the last six years, the Marvel MAX imprint has changed the way people see mature readers comics-and things are about to get even more exciting! With the 50th issue of the critically acclaimed Punisher and gripping new series such as Terror Inc and Foolkiller arriving this fall, not to mention collections of recent high profile projects such as Wisdom, MAX boldly goes where other comics dare not tread!

In the special extra sized anniversary issue of Punisher #50, by Garth Ennis & Howard Chaykin, Frank Castle confronts the lethal Barracuda...who has a surprise that will rock the vigilante to his very c

There's one superhero on everyone's mind and it's the sentinel of the spaceways himself-the Silver Surfer! Starting this Wednesday, get prepared to experience the past, present and future of the Silver Surfer as Marvel celebrates one of the most unique heroes to ever grace the pages of a comic book.

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